John Milton Cage Jr.

John Milton Cage Jr. (1912-1992) was an American composer and music theorist, known for his innovative and avant-garde approaches to music. He challenged traditional notions of sound and composition, famously using silence and chance as integral elements in his works. One of his most famous pieces, "4'33"," consists of four minutes and thirty-three seconds of silence, prompting listeners to focus on ambient sounds. Cage also experimented with prepared piano, altering its sound by placing objects on its strings. His ideas significantly influenced contemporary music, arts, and philosophy, promoting creativity and encouraging audiences to reconsider the definition of music.